Method for controlling longwall mining operations

Abstract

A method for controlling a longwall mining operation, including a face conveyor, at least one extraction machine, and a hydraulic shield support, in underground coal mining. Using inclination sensors disposed on at least three of the four main components of each shield support frame, such as floor skid, gob shield, support connection rods, and gob-side region of the top canopy, the inclination of the shield components relative to horizontal is ascertained in the direction of step. In a computer, the ascertained inclination data is compared with base data stored in the computer that defines the geometrical orientation of the components and their movement during stepping. From the comparison, a respective height of the shield support frame, at the forward end of the top canopy, is calculated as a measure for the face opening.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The instant application should be granted the priority dtaes of Feb. 19, 2008, the filing date of the International patent application PCT / EP2008 / 001262.[0002]The invention relates to a method for controlling longwall operations in underground coal mining having a face conveyor, at least one extraction machine, and a hydraulic shield support.[0003]The control of longwall operations during face advancing generally is concerned with the best possible exploitation of the provided machine capacities while avoiding shutdowns, an automation of the required control procedures being provided if possible, in order to avoid flawed human decisions. Approaches to automation of the control are in development and / or already in use, such as sensory boundary layer detection / control, learning step methods, recognition and control of the advancing path of the hydraulic supports, automated stepping of the hydraulic supports, and automatic maintenance of a predefined ta...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a control system for a shield support frame in a mining operation. The system uses sensors to measure the position of the shield support frame, which helps in determining the position of the face opening. This helps to prevent collisions between the shield support frame and the extraction machine. The system also uses accelerometers to measure the angle of the extraction machine and the floor skid, which helps to control the cutting across seam troughs or saddles. The system can improve the accuracy of the control and minimize errors caused by load action.

Problems solved by technology

The danger of placement of the overlying strata exists if, when convergence is beginning, the shield props are entirely retracted and, because of the overlying strata, which then applies a load, the shield support frame is blocked and can no longer be advanced; a further possibility is that the steel structure at the lower adjustment limit in the lemniscate mechanism of the shield support frame or in the joint top canopy / gob shield is blocked and can then also no longer be advanced.

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